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California Hotels and Legionella Exposure Risks Due to COVID-19 Closures or Reduced Operations

Legionella Testing Laboratory

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	9/10/2020
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	California Hotels and Legionella Exposure Risks Due to COVID-19 Closures or Reduced Operations
Introduction	LA Testing offers PCR and traditional culturing methods to quickly and accurately identify the microbial pathogen that causes Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever.
Huntington Beach, CA, September 10^th, 2020 This summer, the Sonoma Index-Tribune published a report about the discovery of Legionella bacteria in the water system of a major resort in California that occurred during the county’s shelter-in-place order. Fortunately, at this resort, the water system was tested and treated before it reopened to the public. This case illustrates a serious health and safety concern related to COVID-19 directives. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently warned that the temporary shutdown or restricted operation of a building and reductions in normal water use can create hazards for returning occupants. One of these hazards listed by the agency is Legionella. This is due to the fact that stagnant or standing water in a plumbing system can increase the risk for growth and spread of Legionella and other biofilm-associated bacteria. Stagnant water can also lead to low or undetectable levels of residual disinfectant, such as chlorine. If susceptible people inhale contaminated water from a building water system that is not adequately maintained, they could potentially develop Legionnaires’ disease. This is why CDC recommends that all buildings have a water management program designed to reduce the risk for Legionnaires’ disease associated with building water systems and devices. “The discovery at the resort in California’s wine country highlights the danger that can lurk in building water systems at hotels and recreational facilities everywhere,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc. “With all of the challenges businesses have had to face due to COVID-19 closures, routine environmental sampling for Legionella is an easy and effective way to validate the efficacy of a water management program to confirm it is working as intended to mitigate Legionella exposure risks for all building occupants.” LA Testing tests for Legionella, and other microbial and chemical contaminants, from all types of environmental samples. Its parent company, EMSL Analytical, Inc., also offers COVID-19 Surface Testing by quantitative RT-PCR technology. In addition, EMSL also provides Cleaning Efficacy Testing Services as an alternative analysis that can determine if the sampled surface area has been effectively cleaned and free of bacteria or fungi. Click here for more information on its COVID-19 laboratory services. To learn more about Legionella or other indoor environmental quality testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. About LA Testing LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: : AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego and Ontario.